Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Tempe is 46% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,623/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 20%
$77,643/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 22%
$421,900 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 46%
$1,554/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 26%
186,419
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $324/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $3,888/year.

Median household income is $16,696/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Tempe or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Lakeland?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $324/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Lakeland?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $16,696/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Lakeland

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon